Mint tastes ‘cool’ because of its anaesthetic properties. Menthol,
the essential oil in the mint, deadens the hot receptors in the mouth over the
cold receptors.
Nerve endings constantly generate a low background signal
that the brain generally ignores. When the noise from the hot receptors is
reduced by exposure to mint oils, the noise from the cold receptors stands out
in comparison. The brain then interprets these signals as a cold sensation.
Other essential oils have similar anaesthetic or analgesic
properties. Oil of clover is effective in reducing low-level, topical pains and
was commonly prescribed by dentists for relieving both toothache and sore gums.
Oil of wintergreen has a wonderful ‘icy-hot’ feel that can
soothe aching muscles. The cool sensation comes from the differential
anaesthetic action on the hot receptors in the skin. When this wears off, the
rebound of activity from the awakening receptors feels ‘hot’. These two
essential oils are still an ingredient in some over-the-counter ointments.
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